April 02, 2014

One of the hottest topics of the year is "Mindfulness", a mental state achieved by focusing one's awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one's feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations, used as a therapeutic technique. Author Duane Kuss has started a daily story telling site that will introduce you to the topic combined with beautiful outdoor photography depicting daily life on Hermit Lake, where he lives in central Minnesota.

February 20, 2014

The ROCORI School District will be closing today at 2:00 p.m. The early dismissal is related to the weather conditions and the anticipation of strong winds arriving in the middle of the afternoon. In order to transport student safely, we are closing at 2:00 p.m.

Learning new skills keeps aging minds sharp

We are constantly reminded to "use it or lose it," and new research from the University of Texas at Dallas shows the same is true for keeping your brain up to speed.

No one likes the idea of slowing down as they age, but a new study suggests that challenging yourself to learn a new skill can bring noticeable benefits to an aging mind.

The Administration on Aging predicts that there will be 72.1 million Americans aged 65 and over by the year 2030 - 19% of the population. And the new research provides insight into how everyday activities contribute to cognitive vitality as we age.

Lead researcher, Denise Park, PhD, from the University's School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, says:

"We need, as a society, to learn how to maintain a healthy mind, just like we know how to maintain vascular health with diet and exercise."

It can often be hard to believe in yourself, especially if you feel like you have nothing to offer or are unworthy of things. But you are worthy and you are capable. If you're having trouble seeing all of the amazing things about you, then read the article below to start building you confidence in yourself and get ready to show the world how much butt you can kick!

Part 1 of 3: Nurturing Positive Views

1

Recognize your skills. Recognize the skills that you have and the good things about yourself. There are lots! You may not always recognize them but they are there. One way is to look for the things that you don't struggle with or to look for the things that people compliment you on (even if you aren't very good about accepting the compliment). When you look at the things you do well, you'll feel more comfortable doing other things too.

March 21, 2013

Do you know what the 3 things are to look for when choosing the best ham at the grocery store or meat market? You should look for texture, color and fat content. In this video, 4th generation meat wizard Tucker Plantenberg, talks about the entire process from the moment the hog is butchered to the flavor and taste of the finished ham that you'll choose to buy.

February 21, 2013

ROCORI Rockettes head down to Dance Team State Tournament 2013 @ Target Center!

It was a gathering of team members, coaches, parents and community well wishers when the ROCORI Rockettes Dance Teams, Jazz and High Kick, prepared to board the bus headed to the 2013 State Tournament. In this video we meet all the young ladies individually and see them head out of town with a police escort.

September 25, 2012

Dance Clinic Includes Football Field Performance

A ROCORI dance clinic was conducted for girls grades 1st-7th in the ROCORI school district. The ROCORI Varsity Dance Team coaches and members helped teach a dance routine Friday afternoon which was then performed pre-game at the ROCORI vs Willmar varsity football game. This is a video of the evening performance.

July 17, 2012

We made The Story of Change to inspire our viewers, Community members and others to step out of the consumer mindset and into our full power as citizens to build a better future.

That's because too often, when faced with daunting environmental and social problems (say, disruption of the global climate) many of us instinctively flex our power in the only way we know how: as consumers.

Plastic garbage choking the oceans? Carry our own shopping bag.

Formaldehyde in baby shampoo? Buy the brand with the green seal.

Warming planet? Change our lightbulbs.

Without a doubt, those are all good things to do. But the fact is, better shopping isn't going to change the world.

If we really want to build a better future, we have to move beyond voting with our dollars and come together to demand rules that work.

That's the lesson we learned when we looked back at a series of effective movements for change, from the U.S. civil rights movement to the environmental victories of the 1970s. They didn't just pester people to perfect their daily choices; they said we will work together until the problem is solved.

That's not simple, and it won't be easy. We'll have to aim high and act boldly.

But we're convinced that history is on our side. So let's get to work and make the kind of change we know is possible.

Sincerely,

Annie, Michael, Allison, Christina, Renee, Naomi, Bill and Toni

The Story of Stuff Project team

P.S. Along with the movie we've launched the Changemaker Challenge, a platform for Story of Stuff Community members to share their action ideas and commitments. Post yours today!